TREASURE hunters have made the find of a lifetime after unearthing a tiny silver Roman coin which is estimated to be worth £80,000.

Historians say the find could transform the world’s understanding of Roman history as it is only the second such coin to be found featuring “usurper” Emperor Proculus.

Metal detectors Colin Popplewell, 58, a Body Shop manager, and Mark Hildreth, 38, a joiner, are ecstatic that the thousands of hours they have spent on their hobby may have finally landed them a huge windfall.

He told the pair it was minted to mark the brief rise to power of Proculus in 280AD and said: “It is true history will have to be rewritten as there are now two coins of Proculus in the world – how great is that?”

Father-of-two Colin, who made the find in a field near Stamford Bridge, East Yorkshire, last week said: “Our find is groundbreaking because it validates the first coin and gives weight to the history of Proculus – it really will change the history books.”

Our find is groundbreaking because it validates the first coin

Father-of-two Colin

Self-employed Mark added that they would give a proportion of the proceeds to the farmer who owns the field.